Audi Q3 30 TDI S Edition review

Audi is luxury car brand known for its exemplary models irrespective of the category of the vehicle. This automaker has updated its bestselling SUV model and introduced it in India. It is non other than Audi Q3, which received modifications in terms of both exteriors as well as internal cabin. Like its predecessor, it is being sold in three variants, out of which, Audi Q3 30 TDI S Edition is the entry level variant. Its exterior updates are in the form of a new single frame radiator grille, modified bumpers, and slightly revised tail lamp cluster. At the same time, its internal also gets some refinements in the form of new accents for dashboard and door trims. This vehicle has an advanced driver information system featuring an efficiency program, which provides information related to fuel consumption, gearshift position, fuel saving tips and the vehicle's current operating state. Other standard comfort features includes an automatic AC unit, electrically adjustable front seats with 4-way lumbar support and cruise control system. It also has a lot of safety features including 3-point inertia seat belts for all the occupants, a unitary body construction with crumple zones and many other such aspects. It is also available with an attractive two year of warranty period without any limitations regarding mileage.

Exteriors:

The company has made changes to its external appearance that pushes its styling to the next level. To start with, its front fascia gets a redesigned single frame radiator grille with extensive chrome accents. It is embedded with a prominent company's insignia in the center. This grille is flanked by a stylish headlight cluster featuring powerful lamps and daytime running lights. Just below this, it has a large bumper that has a dual tone look, as it is fitted with a black colored cladding under it for preventing the vehicle from minor damages. This bumper houses a pair of air ducts along with round shaped fog lamps. The overall look of the front facet is complimented by a pair of expressive lines designed on the bonnet. Its windscreen is quite large and made of heat insulating glass and is accompanied by a set of intermittent wipers. Its side profile has body colored door handles and ORVMs. The wheel arches are fitted with a set of lightweight alloy wheels, which are covered with tubeless radial tyres. Its rear end has also been updated and slightly modified tail light cluster. Its boot lid has a smiley shape, which is fitted with a concave windscreen along with a spoiler and wiper. Like the front, its rear bumper too has a dual tone look.

Interiors:

The spacious internal cabin of this variant comes with LED interior lighting package, which gives it a plush appeal. The front seats have 4-way lumbar support, which further enhances the comfort. The rear seat has split foldable function that helps in increasing the boot volume of car. The dashboard is made with high quality scratch resistant plastic and is done up with black color scheme. It is fitted with equipments like a driver information system, a climate control unit, an infotainment system and a large glove box with cooling effect. The leather wrapped steering wheel has 4-spokes and is mounted with control switches for audio, Bluetooth and cruise control functions. The instrument cluster has an integrated TFT color screen along with two round shaped meters, which displays informatics like speedometer, fuel consumption, tachometer, external temperature, trip-meter, date and several other notifications. The central console is integrated with ergonomically positioned switches for various functions. Furthermore, there are a lot of chrome inserts given inside, which adds to its elegance. Apart from these, the company has bestowed the internal cabin with electrically adjustable driver seat, front and rear floor mats, acoustic windscreen with grey tinted strip and heat insulating glass.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this variant is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel power plant with exhaust gas turbocharging. It is integrated with four cylinders and displaces 1968cc. The company has mated this diesel mill with a six speed manual transmission gear box, which transmits the engine power to its front wheels. It allows the SUV to attain a top speed of about 202 Kmph, while it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 9.9 seconds from a scratch. This diesel engine can produce a maximum power output of 138.1bhp at 4200rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 320Nm between 1750 to 2500rpm. With the help of a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, it can return 17.32 Kmpl approximately under standard driving conditions.

Braking and Handling:

For a reliable braking mechanism, the company has fitted it all wheels with disc brakes. The front axle comes equipped with a McPherson spring strut with lower wishbones, while rear one is fitted with a 4-link type of mechanism, which has separate damper arrangement function as well. This suspension mechanism is further assisted by aluminum sub-frame, which keeps it well balanced. In addition to these, it also has traction control, electronic differential lock, hill start assist function and electronic stabilization program. The cabin is incorporated with a rack and pinion based electromechanical power steering system that features a speed sensitive function for efficient handling.

Comfort Features:

The car maker is offering this model series with several innovative comfort features, which eventually provides a fatigue free traveling experience to the occupants. It has an efficient air conditioning unit, which electronically regulates the air temperature, rate of air flow and distribution to keep the ambiance pleasant. Then for in-car entertainment it has an advanced music system, concert radio and Bluetooth connectivity. The multi-functional steering wheel is integrated with call, music and cruise control switches. It is also integrated with an advanced cruise control with brake intervention system that maintains the set speed constant. There are several other advanced features incorporated inside like front center armrest with storage box, power windows with one-touch up/close function, grab handles, comfort rear headrest and electrically adjustable front seats including memory function for driver's seat.

Safety Features:

The list of protective aspects includes electronic vehicle immobilization device, car jack, first aid kit with warning triangle, seat belts for all passengers and several other aspects as well. It has driver and front co-passenger airbag along with front side and head airbag system to protect passengers from serious injuries in case of an accident. The other features to ensure safe driving include front and rear fog lights, rain sensing wipers, central remote locking and so on.